BEIJING - China on Tuesday reiterated its support for Palestine's efforts to seek recognition by the United Nations, as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that he would formally apply for UN membership to the General Assembly on Friday.

"China understands, respects and supports Palestine's bid for a UN member status," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

Hong said China always supports the Palestinians' and Arabs' efforts to regain their legitimate ethnic rights, and seeking an independent statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.